Primary Purpose:

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment; support the social and emotional development of children; and encourage the involvement of the families of the children in the Head Start program and support the relationships between children and their families.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

1- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in early childhood education, child development, elementary education or a related field.

2- Demonstrated competency in the early childhood education subject area

3- Bilingual, Spanish/English, is a preference

 .

Special Knowledge/Skills:

1- Knowledge of early childhood education and child development best practices as identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Texas Education Agency.

2- Ability to work with children, families, and co-workers in a diverse setting.

3- Strong organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

4- Be a sensitive and mature individual with the ability to relate in a positive manner to children and adults.

Experience:

1- At least one-year classroom experience working with preschool children in a public school,

childcare, student teaching, internship, or other early childhood program.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1- Develop and maintain a learning environment that improves the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy, phonemic, and print awareness, their understanding and use of language,their understanding and use of increasingly complex and varied vocabulary, their appreciation of books,their understanding of early math and early science, their problem-solving abilities and their approaches to learning.

2- Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment that supports the intellectual, social and emotional development of children.

3- Plan, supervise, and implement the program in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the Head Start Program.

4- Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times, assess the needs and/or problems of the children.

5- Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and show written evidence of preparation as required. Work closely with other teaching staff to ensure consistency throughout the program.

6- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, and materials and equipment that reflect the individual needs of the children and provides for differences in children's learning styles.

7- Conduct two parent-teacher conferences and two home visits with parents annually.

8- Encourage the involvement of the families in the Head Start program and support the development of relationships between children and their families.

Student Growth and Development

1- Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments to determine the child's overall status and progress.

2- Develop and evaluate individualized plans for each child based on needs identified in screenings and ongoing assessments. This includes individual education programs for children with identifieddisabilities.

3- Report any special needs or problems of individual children.

4- Recognize and report signs of illness, abuse or neglect.

Classroom Management

1- Keep classroom, storage, and bathroom clean, neat and orderly.

2- Ensure that the learning environment is visually appealing and reflects the children's work.

3- Request materials and equipment necessary for maintaining the classroom environment.

4- Manage children's behaviors in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, andHead Start Program Performance Standards.

5- Document all discipline concerns promptly and in accordance with Head Start guidelines.

6- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect children, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Communication

1- Hold weekly planning meetings with classroom staff. Report issues and concerns as needed.

2- Send communication home to parents on a regular basis.

3- Problem-solve in a professional, positive and courteous manner.

4- Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, children, parents, and community members.

5- Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1- Supervise assigned Teacher Aide and volunteers.

Professional Growth and Development

1- Adhere to all district policies and procedures.

2- Keep informed of and comply with district , state, and federal regulations and policies relating to Teachers.

3- Attend and participate in staff meetings and planning meetings as required.

4- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents as required. Submit all reports accurately, completely and in a timely manner.

5- Attend and participate in staff development activities to improve job-related knowledge and skills.

Working Conditions

1- Maintain emotional control under stressful and challenging periods.

2- Possible exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens.

3- Frequent standing, stooping, bending pulling, pushing, lifting, and transferring of children, materials,and equipment up to 40 pounds.